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Jenny Niedenfuehr, PhD, MPH, CHES®, CPH

Houston, TX

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Aug 2023-Aug 2026

University of Texas Health – School of Public Health

Discipline: Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences

Minor: Epidemiology

Dissertation: From Literature to Lived Experiences: Examining Vulvar Pain Disorders in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Across Existing Research, Providers, and Patients

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Paula Cuccaro

Committee: Dr. Christine Markham and Dr. Vanessa Schick

Master of Public Health (MPH) Aug 2021-Aug 2023

University of Florida

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Capstone: A Critical Review and Conceptual Model: The Barriers that Adolescents with Endometriosis Experience in the United States

Advisor: Dr. Lindsey King

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Anthropology June 2016

Lawrence University, Appleton, WI

Magne Cum Laude

Capstone: Ti Voglio Bene: Italian Mothers and Cooking, A Proposed Ethnography

Advisor: Dr. Brenda Jenike

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jenny-Niedenfuehr-2

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wsfN3LwAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID Number: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6096-5881

Niedenfuehr, J.M & Stevens, D. (2026). Self-Reported Genitopelvic Pain Disorders and Symptoms Among Individuals With Confirmed or Suspected Slipping Rib Syndrome: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey. Accepted at International Journal of Medical Research. In-Press. http://doi.org/10.1177/03000605261500652
Niedenfuehr, J. M. (2026). Suspected Impostor Participants in Online Qualitative Interviews: Lessons from a Qualitative Study on Complex Health Conditions. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069261487086
Niedenfuehr, J. M., Cuccaro, P., Markham, C., & Schick, V. (2026). Healthcare provider opinions and work experiences toward diagnosing, treating, or caring for individuals with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and vulvar pain disorders: A qualitative study. BMC Health Services Research. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-026-15605-9
Niedenfuehr, J. M., Cuccaro, P., Schick, V., Stevens, D., & Markham, C. (2026). An examination of vulvar pain disorders and symptoms experienced among hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder patients: A scoping review. Sexual Medicine Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qeag066
Niedenfuehr, J. M & Stevens, D. (2026). Self-Reported Efficacy of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Endometriosis Patients Before and After Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain. https://doi.org/10.1177/22840265251411726
Yan, Q., Choi, J., Rachel, A., Gabay, E. K., Niedenfuehr, J.M, Barnes, R., Raja, S., & Cuccaro, P. M. (2026). Trauma-informed care implementation in Texas community health centers: Results of organizational assessments. Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy, 10.1037/tra0002151. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0002151
Stewart, H. L. N., Gallardo, K. R., Niedenfuehr, J. M., Zoschke, I. N., Wilkerson, J. M., Gillespie, D., Kaduri, P., Rodriguez, S. A., & McCurdy, S. A. (2025). The Intersection of medications for opioid use disorder and mental health in substance use recovery housing in a U.S. setting. Journal of Drug Issues. https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426251346673
Niedenfuehr, J. M & Stevens, D, King, L. (2024). Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy is Self-Reported as Minimally Effective, and Sometimes Harmful, Treatment for Pudendal Neuralgia: A Cross-Sectional Survey. International Journal of Sexual Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2024.2397124
Niedenfuehr, J.M & King, L. (2024). A critical review and conceptual model: Barriers that Adolescents and Young Adults with Endometriosis Experience in the United States. Journal of Sexuality and Policy. https://doi:10.1007/s13178-024-00972-x.
Niedenfuehr, J.M & Stevens, D. (2024). Hard Flaccid Syndrome: Existing Symptoms, Treatments, and Comorbidities: A Cross-Sectional Survey. International Journal of Impotence. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-024-00853-2
Niedenfuehr, J.M, & Stevens, D. M. (2023). A scoping review: sexual activity and functioning before and after surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, and hip dysplasia. Sexual Medicine Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1093/sxmrev/qead036
Niedenfuehr, J.M, Edwards, M., and King, L. M. (2023). A scoping review: The psychosocial barriers that exist for people with vulvodynia. Journal of Sexual Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad035

PUBLISHED ABSTRACTS/ POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Niedenfuehr, J. M., Ziauddin, K., Strahlman, M., & Cuccaro, P. (2026). “When you listen, we trust you”: A qualitative exploration of caregiver perspectives on trust, voice, and communication in well-child care. Conference abstract accepted at APHA 2026.
Niedenfuehr, J. M., Beg, S., & Stevens, D. (2026). Graduate students with chronic health conditions: A scoping review. Conference abstracted accepted at APHA 2026.
Niedenfuehr J, Ziauddin K, Stevens D. Non-gynecologic etiologies of chronic pelvic pain: A narrative review. J Sex Med. 2026;23(Suppl 3):qdag063.158. doi:10.1093/jsxmed/qdag063.158
Niedenfuehr, J.M, Yan, Q., Choi, J., Gabay, E. K., Barnes, R., Rachel, A., & Cuccaro, P. M. (2025). The 2023 Trauma-Informed Care Initiative and Patient Health Outcomes: Enhancing Diagnostic Criteria and Patient Encounters. Presented to the Academy Health Conference for 06/09/2025. https://academyhealth.confex.com/academyhealth/2025arm/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/70509
Choi, J., Yan, Q., Gabay, E. K., Barnes, R., Niedenfuehr, J.M, Rachel, A., & Cuccaro, P. M. Impact of trauma-informed care training on job satisfaction in community health centers. Presented to the Academy Health Conference for 06/09/2025. https://academyhealth.confex.com/academyhealth/2025arm/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/7145
Niedenfuehr, J., & Stevens, D. (2025). Exploring the associations between slipping rib syndrome and sexual pain disorders: A cross-sectional study [E-discussed poster presentation]. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 22 (Supplement_1), qdaf068.132. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdaf068.132
Niedenfuehr, J. M., Stevens, D., & King, L. (2024). Self-reported efficacy of pelvic floor physical therapy as a treatment for pudendal neuralgia: A cross-sectional study [Published abstract presented at the 2024 International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Annual Meeting]. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 21(Supplement_5), qdae054.127. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae054.127
Niedenfuehr, J. M., King, L., & Edwards, M. (2023). The psychosocial barriers associated with vulvodynia and vestibulodynia [Published abstract presented at the 2023 International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health Annual Meeting]. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 20(Supplement_2), qdad061.077. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad061.077

UNDER REVIEW

Niedenfuehr, J. M., Ziauddin, K., & Stevens, D. (2026). Pelvic pain in women: A narrative review. Manuscript in peer review, Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders. Submitted 9/01/2026.
Niedenfuehr, J.M , Ziauddin, K., Strahlman, M., & Cuccaro, P. (2026). Caregivers’ Experiences and Perceptions When Interacting with Health Care Providers on Behalf of Their Children: A Qualitative Study. Submitted to Clinical Medicine Insights: Pediatrics. 8/22/2026
Niedenfuehr, J. M., Schick, V., Markham, C., and Cuccaro, P. (2026). “I am the patient and also the expert of my body”: A Qualitative Study of Care-Seeking among Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, and Vulvar Pain Disorder Patients. Manuscript submitted to Journal of Women's Reproductive Health.
Niedenfuehr, J. M. (2026). A patient perspective on fragmented care, medical harm, and treating patients as experts in their own bodies. Manuscript submitted to Journal of Patient Experience. Submitted May 23, 2026.
Choi, J., Yan, Q., Rachel, A., Gabay, E. K., Barnes, R., Niedenfuehr, J.M, & Cuccaro, P. M. (2027). Impact of trauma-informed care training on staff retention in community health centers. American Journal of Preventative Medicine.
Niedenfuehr, J.M., Simpson, V. (2027). Arthritis Status and Body Mass Index Category in U.S. Adults: A 2022 BRFSS Analysis. Submitted to Chronic Illness (8/25/2026).
Niedenfuehr. J.M., Simpson, V. (2027). A Narrative Review of Theory-Based Exercise Interventions for Older Adults With Osteoarthritis: The Theory of Planned Behavior and the Transtheoretical Model. Submitted to Health Promotion and Evaluation (8/25/2026).
Simpson, V., Niedenfuehr, J.M, Rosales, I., Alvarenga, A., Levy, T., Mantey, D. (2027). Smoking, Vaping, Edibles, and Multimodal Cannabis Use: Associations with Mental Health Symptoms Among College Students. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
Niedenfuehr, J.M, Strahlman, M., Myers-Kelley, S., & Stevens, D. (2027). Suicidality in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders: A scoping review. Submitted to Archives of Suicidal Research.
Niedenfuehr, J.M., Schick, V., Markham, C., & Cuccaro, P. (2027). Navigating Genito-Pelvic Pain Care in Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders: Patient and Provider Experiences. International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health Annual Meeting 2027. Pending Presentation.

IN-PROGRESS

Niedenfuehr, J. M., Beg, S., Stevens, D. (2026). Graduate Students and Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review. Disability and Research.
Strahlman, M. Myers-Kelley, S.M. Niedenfuehr, J.M. (2026). Self-Harm and Self-Injurious Behaviors Among EDS and HSD patients: A Scoping Review.
Niedenfuehr.J.M. Individual-Level Theories are Unintentionally Oppressive for Individuals with Physical and Mental Disorders: A Commentary
Niedenfuehr, J.M, Dever, A, Ahsan, S, Sullivan, K, Stevens, D, King, L. (2027). Self-Reported Changes in Endometriosis Symptoms With GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Niedenfuehr, J.M, Yan, Q., Choi, J., Gabay, E. K., Rachel, & Cuccaro, P. M. (2025). Understanding Patient Health Outcomes after Trauma-Informed Care Transformation. Population Health Symposium for April 10, 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p6gACyUW-Q&list=PLb3eccHmdR5GQbfo0mpD-ZG2dCevTkAq4&index=5
Niedenfuehr, J.M. Pelvic Floor Conditions and Patient Barriers.. Guest lecture presented in Sexuality and Gender class, University of Florida for April 3, 2023.

AD-HOC REVIEWER

Journal of Women's Health (2)

BMC Women's Health (5)

Scientific Reports (1)

Journal of Women's Sexual Health (1)

Journal of Patient Experiences (1)

Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology (1)

WORK/ PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Research Consultant (Part-time) February 2025 - Present

Glycos Bio

Contributes to literature searches and reviews
Conduct comprehensive literature searches across peer-reviewed journals and academic databases
Summarize findings to support ongoing research project
Develop annotated bibliographies and maintain organized reference libraries for project teams
Collaborate with stakeholders

Graduate Research Assistant (50% PTE)

Trauma Informed Evaluation Care Project - Houston, Texas September 2024 - September 2025

PI: Dr. Paula Cuccaro - Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute

Conducted qualitative interviews with health care providers on zoom
Responsible for creating promotional material and recruiting participants
Assisted with all other tasks as needed including data entry and data management
Assisted with writing key portions of the Year 5 report (Key Informant Interviews, Organizational Assessment, Staff Retention, Behavioral Adherence, and Chronic Health Conditions)
Assisted with abstracts and manuscript writing
Presented an oral presentation at the Population Health Symposium and a poster at Academy Healt

CoLab - Houston, Texas September 2023-May 2024

PI: Dr. Michael Wilkerson, Dr. Sheryl McCurdy, Dr. Serena Rodriguez, Dr. Kathryn Gallardo

Assisted with the data extraction for the comptroller report
Assisted with literature reviews, writing, and editing
Created the lab page for CoLab with the graphic designer - go.uth.edu/colab
Assisted with infographics, powerpoints, and editing

Health promotional marketing manager Jul 2021 - March 2024

Forestwood Dental, Houston, TX

Designing new content for posts, stories, and videos with an emphasis on better oral healthcare practices
Managing patient community forum on Facebook to promote awareness and create sense of community
Managing all social media platforms

Editor and writer Apr 2021 - Oct 2021

Yoair, remote position

Wrote nineteen articles on various anthropological topics
Edited articles from other authors and provided constructive feedback

Data specialist/Loan officer Jan 2020 - Oct 2020

Rapid Finance, Bethesda, MD

Analyzed and scrubbed the data/metrics from over 200 financial documents per day
Entered data into various system databases (Calc, Sales Force, Excel)
Determined loan eligibility for clients
Scrubbed SBA loans for small businesses during the Covid-19 crisis

Psychology research assistant Aug 2019 - Aug 2020

University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Organized and coded data into Excel
Performed literature reviews regarding industrial organizational psychology, evidence-based management, work cultures, social norms, and cross-cultural differences

Sous chef and social media coordinator June 2017 - Apr 2019

Rise Bakery, Washington, D.C

Created food styling and photography portfolio for advertisements
Designed and implemented social media campaigns resulting in 34% increase in followers on Instagram and Facebook
Developed daily production lists and managed small team of pastry assistants
Maintained inventory, ordered materials, and interacted with customers

Online tutor Jan 2015 - Jan 2019

Chegg, remote position

Tutored high school and college level psychology, anthropology, music, and Japanese

Tutor Nov 2015- April 2016

YMCA, Appleton, WI

Tutored elementary level math and reading for children

Administrative assistant Aug 2014 - Jan 2016

Michael Niedenfuehr Financial Consulting, Minneapolis, MN

Organized and maintained client files
Performed data entry on Excel
Tracked and recorded business expenses and taxes

Journalist intern May 2012

Minneapolis Public Radio, Minneapolis, MN

Posted weekly blogposts and tracked metrics on Twitter

RESEARCH PROJECTS

Research Assistant in the Culture Lab, University of Maryland, College Park

Conducted literature reviews, literature searches, data entry, and coded surveys to investigate cross-cultural differences and how these differences relate to the tightness-looseness theory

Research Design Anthropology Class, Lawrence University

Assembled a literature review, research design, proposal, and budget for understanding how women in Italy use cooking as a means of conveying love and nurture for their children
Presented research design to a large audience and answered questions that highlighted further research to be carried out

Mini Ethnography of Borough Market in London, United Kingdom

Conducted interviews and general and focused participant observation
Wrote a mini ethnography which revealed how vendors worked to share their love of food and make a profit through creative marketing, onsite cooking, and samples

Mini Ethnography of Katsuya of Japan Restaurant in Appleton, WI

Conducted participant observation, interviews and focus groups with employees and transcribed the interviews
Presented findings to an audience and wrote a mini ethnography that presented how employees worked together to serve customers and create an authentic Japanese experience

VOLUNTEER/EXTRACURRICULAR EXPERIENCE

Patient advocacy committee member July 2022 - March 2025

International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health

Assisting with promoting curriculum changes in medical schools and promoting awareness of diseases and sexual health issues among providers and patients.

Founder and manager of Multiple Symptom Patients support group April 2021 - Present

Connecting patients with “difficult to treat”/chronic pain problems to specialized doctors and physical therapists

Crisis counselor Aug 2019 - Oct 2019

Crisis Text Line

Completed training for interacting and supporting individuals seeking help through texting

Volunteer cook Mar 2018 - Apr 2018

Marylebone Food Cycle in London

Aided the team in preparing meals for the homeless for two hours weekly
Assisted at the Marylebone Food Festival with food preparation and customer service

President and Founder of Cultural Food Club Sep 2012 - May 2016

Lawrence University, Appleton, WI

Coordinated nine events per year where students learned how to make a dish from various countries
Established an on-campus kitchen, purchased supplies, performed outreach for events, collaborated with board members and peers, and organized the guests and instructors

Fox Valley Warming Shelter Jan 2016

Appleton, WI

Bought food and completed inventory for over sixty homeless people with my organization Lawrence University Cultural Food Club.
Cooked the food for the shelter on campus and served the meals at the shelter

Volunteer Jun 2011 – Jun 2013

American Refugee Committee, Appleton, WI

Transcribed field work videos
Logged donations and entered them into excel

SKILLS

Computer skills: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAS, SPSS, Sales Force, Calc, Wix, STATA

Languages: English (native), Japanese (intermediate), Chinese (beginner), Italian (beginner)

CERTIFICATIONS

Advanced Planning and Health Evaluation (August 2024)
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) (October 2024)
Certification in Public Health (December 2023)
International Women’s Health and Human Rights (Coursera, 2022)

Essential Epidemiologic Tools for Public Health Practice (Coursera, Sep 2020)
Project Management – Initiating and Planning Projects (Coursera, May 2020)
Google Analytics for Beginners (Google Analytics Academy, Apr 2020)
Social Media (HubSpot Academy, Apr 2020)
Inbound Marketing (HubSpot Academy, Apr 2020)

AWARDS

Iota Chapter of the Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health (2026)
The Doctoral Dissertation Award (2026) at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health
The Ginni and Richard Mithoff Endowed Scholarship in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences (2025-2026)
Outstanding New Student Scholarship at UTHealth (2023)
Dean’s List at Lawrence University (2013-2016)
Diversity Center Award at Lawrence University (2015)

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